Names that Peaked in 2020

  1. Dakari
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "rejoice"
    • Description:

      This name from the Shona language is a new entrant to the Top 1000 in the US.
  2. Kamiyah
    • Origin:

      American
    • Description:

      A newcomer to the US popularity charts, likely influenced by the popularity of similar names Camila and Camilla.
  3. Alayah
    • Origin:

      English, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "sublime; joyful"
    • Description:

      A modern English variant of the Arabic name Aaliyah, Alayah was likely inspired by the names Amaia, Amaya and Alannah. It could also be an alternative spelling of the Basque name, Alaia, which means "joyful", and it coincides with Alaya, a type of consciousness in Buddhism.
  4. Aspyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aspen, tree name and place name
    • Description:

      Divorces Aspen from its nature and ski resort associations. Aspyn first broke into the Top 1000 in 2020.
  5. Alianna
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aliana
    • Description:

      Alianna barely wedged its way into US Top 1000 in 2015, and almost fell off with a Number 998 finish in 2016. The second n doesn't add much, so Aliana or even Eliana might be better options.
  6. Kaysen
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cason
    • Description:

      Trendy Cason is becoming popular enough to have a variety of offshoot spellings in the Top 1000.
  7. Laylani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, variation of Leilani
    • Description:

      A gentle-sounding name with a pretty meaning to match -- "heavenly flower." Laylani is a close cousin to names like Lily and Leila that have been very trendy in the last few years. We're somewhat agnostic about this spelling compared to original Leilani. Though we tend to favor the original in such cases, it might be easier for non-Hawaiians to figure out how to pronounce this one. Laylani has made the US Top 1000 in 2020 as well as 2022, but has no where close to the popularity of the original Leilani.
  8. Korbyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Corbin, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "crow"
    • Description:

      Corbin joined the US Top 1000 during the latter half of the 20th century, first introduced to parents through actor Corbin Bernsen. It reached a peak in 2014 at number 203 and has been making a steady decline ever since.
  9. Brynleigh
    • Origin:

      Variation of Brinley or combination of Bryn and Leigh
    • Meaning:

      "burned clearing; hill + meadow"
    • Description:

      A combination name and an English surname, Brynleigh has trendy sounds and two possible nature meanings. Less popular than its counterparts, Brinley and Brynlee, it is nevertheless still in the US Top 1000.
  10. Aarya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Arya, Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Arya has become a popular name thanks to the young heroine of Game of Thrones and because of the rise of similar Aria too. Now, variation Aarya has risen up the charts, making the Top 600 in the UK.
  11. Leilany
    • Origin:

      Variation of Leilani, Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly flower"
    • Description:

      Alternate spelling of Leilani, popular among Hispanic families.
  12. Amoura
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amora, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      This alternate spelling of Amora rose over 1000 places in 2019, making it the fastest-rising girl name of the year. It continued to rise steeply in 2020, but has fallen a little since.
  13. Kaisley
    • Origin:

      American invented name
    • Description:

      A nouveau creation inspired by Paisley.
  14. Jaxtyn
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      The American appetite for new names ending in the letters "yn" knows no bounds. This one, a close relative of popular Jaxson, was among the fastest-rising boys' names of 2017.
  15. Novah
    • Origin:

      Variant of Nova
    • Description:

      The fastest-rising of the many Nova-adjacent names now fashionable for girls -- Nova, Novalee, Novaleigh -- which could all be seen as either classier alternatives to Neveah or feminine takes on ultra-popular Noah. This H-ending version has a slightly Hebrew air -- compare to Tovah. It's gotten a boost from rising R&B songstress Jade Novah.
  16. Adalee
    • Origin:

      Combination of Ada and Lee
    • Description:

      Adalee's rise is thanks to the current fashion for all names ada-related. It does have a sweet melodic charm.
  17. Jakobe
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jacob
    • Description:

      Jacob meets Jakob meets Kobe -- and apparently, parents in 2013 are fans. It rose 153 spots to break into the Top 1000, making it one of the year's fastest-rising names.
  18. Karsyn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carson
    • Description:

      A surname-style name with a contemporary spelling, Karsyn is a unisex name that has been on and off the charts for boys since 2018. As of 2023, it's back in the US Top 1000 and given to more than 200 boys every year.
  19. Harmoni
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Harmony
    • Description:

      With Harmony on the rise, this spelling variation is getting some attention as well. It was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2015.